Whelk Radula
by Dr Keith Wheeler/science Photo Library
Title
Whelk Radula
Artist
Dr Keith Wheeler/science Photo Library
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Whelk radula. Polarised light micrograph of the radula of a common whelk (Buccinum undatum). A radula is a tongue-like organ found in molluscs. The different types of teeth on the radula of molluscs can be used in classification and the teeth also differ in herbivore and carnivorous molluscs. The common whelk is carnivorous. The teeth are in three rows, the central sharp teeth (black) and two lateral rows (yellow) of teeth with large conical-shaped points (white). When the front teeth of the radula get worn away, new teeth (continuously being produced at the other end of the radula) replace them. Magnification: x36 when printed at 10 centimetres across.
Uploaded
August 4th, 2020
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